Steyning Festival 2014 offers whole host of events

Revellers in full costume for the 1614 dance at this year's Steyning Festival

There will be no shortage of comedy, with Josie Lawrence due to join Neil Mullarkey and the rest of the Comedy Store players for A Serious Night Out on the first night of the festival, May 24.

Josie and Neil are known for their stand-up acts but also for appearances on Have I Got News for You?, QI and The News Quiz.

“It’s a hilarious night of improvised comedy,” said Christine Aubrey, chairman of the Steyning Festival committee.

Josie Lawrence, queen of TV improvisation shows, is coming to Steyning

“Tickets are going fast so grab one while you can.

“You won’t be disappointed.”

Comedy fans may also enjoy The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue on May 31.

Jonathan Dimbleby’s Any Questions?, the Theatre Trail and Julia Donaldson’s Gruffalo show, will also be among the festival’s line-up.

Science fans can find out about the solar-powered ten-year journey of the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission, with space expert, Prof Andrew Coates, on June 3.

Tim Jarvis will be speaking about his attempt to follow in Shackleton’s footsteps in the Antarctic in Recreating Shackleton’s Epic Journey, on June 6, and Sunny Ormande of Radio 4’s The Archers, who plays Lilian Bellamy, will be telling tales of celebrity and answering questions on  June 1.

Today programme presenter James Naughtie is launching his first thriller, The Madness of July, on May 24.

The festival promises plenty for children and families too, the opening parade featuring samba music and drummers and giant animal-costumed carnival characters representing the five continents of the world, on May 24, at 11am, in Church Street.

On the bank holiday Monday, Steyning has invited townspeople to a giant family, outdoor picnic on the Memorial Playing Field from 11am to 4pm, the highlight of which is set to be the St Cuthman wheelbarrow race.

There will also be a dog show, bands, jugglers and a bouncy castle on offer, plus fast-food, drinks, ice cream, a bar, a barbecue and cream teas.

For one to eight-year-olds, there will be a picnic and story-telling, using music, puppetry and animation, on May 30.

Youngsters will also be taking to the boards on June 7, in a Steyning Has Talent competition.

Railway enthusiasts are invited to an event from May 24 to June 8, exploring the closure of the Steyning line in 1966, with a talk and film to be held at Steyning Grammar School on May 28, at 7.30pm.

A DJ showcase will be held on May 30 featuring vinyl from heavy funk to raw soul, 1960s RnB and hip hop at the Chequer Inn, from 7.30pm until late.